ThingsToDoInPhoenix

Quick Question [DeleteMe] -- Are there stores etc in walking distance from the hotel ? I'll be getting in (carless) Sat afternoon and would like to get some water/snacks etc for the room. --AlanFrancis 2005.10.14

Alan, I think this question is from 2005. Across the street from the hotel, there is a convenience store with water, snacks, etc. Traffic is crazy, but I keep making it back. I would not want to do it in the dark, if I could avoid it. SherryHeinze 2005.10.14

Hi Sherry, it is indeed from 2005, although ISTR I asked it last year and just forgot the answer :-) I'm used to dodging the traffic in the US having spent many weeks staying in hotels in the burbs that forced that kind of traffic dodging to walk (walk!?) to the strip mall / ihop / borders / K-Mart. Is the dark comment just about the traffic, or do I need to worry about the neighbourhood ? --AlanFrancis 2005.10.14

Aha! - Here's last years question and answers :-) AccomodationNearbyFoodOptions --AlanFrancis 2005.10.14

Having never been to Phoenix before (or Arizona or America), I'm looking for things to do whilst my partner, HuwLloyd, attends the conference. I like sport, both playing and watching, and being outdoors, but I'm not too keen on shopping, although I can shop if I have to! -- Claire 2004.08.15

Hi, Claire -- I think there is some good hiking in the area, Camelback is a possiblity, I believe. Be sure to carry plenty of water if you hike, even in November it can be hot in Phoenix.

Esther Derby 2004.08.15

I went soaring one year, there's a small airport 30 miles or so SW of Phoenix where they offer sailplane rides. That was wonderful!

The hotel has fliers for other things also, balloon rides, hiking, rafting, and stuff. If you call the hotel, they might be able to send you a bunch of recent fliers off their rack.

SuePetersen 2004.08.15

Hockey fans may be interested to know that the Phoenix Coyotes host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday November 11 @ 7:00 pm.

For late-night techno-geeking, there's a Fry's Electronics a few miles from the hotel.

Phoenix, or better yet, Scottsdale has some of the world's best spa's. Also, on the day after the conference I visited a small lake 1 hour North of Phoenix and saw lots of hot air ballooners -- what a sight. DaveRabinek 2004.08.24

I'm a big appreciator of good tequila. The Tequila Grill looks like a good place to try out some new tequilas. I'm not sure which day, but I'm definitely going to check it out, and company is welcome! DavidPickett 2004.08.26

Hang-gliding. I'm looking for advice from experienced people. If anybody knows what questions I should be asking, please send me some email. I'm really serious about wanting to do this, but I'd like to live thru the experience. :-)

Update - I've talked some to Jason Batterson, who's an experienced hang-glider. He says it should be both very safe and a really incredible experience. :-) I'm trying to set up a flight for the day after SHAPE Day now.

BTW - here's the national association, for those interested.

--SuePetersen 2004.08.26

The ice hockey sounds interesting. Although having played a fair bit of rugby, I'd be interested in seeing a football game, or maybe even baseball. I assume the football season will be underway in November? -- HuwLloyd 2004.10.06

It's definitely football season. There are at least three different football phenomena you might want to see: Friday night high school football (which will be taking place wherever you are on Friday night--just ask the locals--; Saturday afternoon or evening college football; and Sunday professional football. For the latter two, ask the concierge what's happening in town, and if tickets are available. Each of the three is quite distinct; though the playing rules are almost exactly the same, the crowd culture is quite different. Also, bring an American with you if possible. Unlike Rugby or Soccer, the essence of American Football is largely one of deception, so it's difficult to follow without a guide. - JerryWeinberg 2004.10.06

Thanks for the info, Jerry.

Actually, there is a reasonable amount of deception in Rugby. Clubs have their own language of 'moves' and 'requests'. Timing is critical to pull the deceptions off. As such communication is important, its not just about fitness and skill. I only played amateur, but it made a big difference when everyone knew what my calls were from scrum-half - "Diesel 62, Pig! Tonga! Break, Break! Orangi!" - I would be pretty hoarse by the end of a game.
-- HuwLloyd 2004.10.06

Yes, there is that. I've played Rugby myself, in younger days. I was referring to actually hiding the ball, so the other team (and often the spectators) can't see who has it. that can make it awfully difficult to figure out what's going on. - JerryWeinberg 2004.10.06

Aha. Now I'm with you. That sort of thing usually only happens momentarily in rugby, such as in a maul or a switch, and you can usually infer where the ball is.

Do the games usually take place in the afternoon or the evening? -- HuwLloyd 2004.10.07

In hot areas like Phoenix, evening games are quite common. High School games are almost invariably Friday nights everywhere. For the College and Pro games, you'd have to check specifically. - JerryWeinberg 2004.10.07

Dare I mention photography?? There will be a photography BOF: PhotographyShootAndTalk

--AlanSmith 2004.10.07

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the Canyon. I arrived in Phoenix late on Friday night last year (not sure if I'll get there this year 8<) and drove up to the Canyon on the Saturday. Can't remember how long it took (a good few hours) but well worth it IMHO - especially if you've never been before.

PhilStubbington 2004.10.13

There is an official GalleryCrawl in Scottsdale, the evening of the 11th.

--SuePetersen 2004.10.14

I can strongly recommend two different hiking locations, a bit of a drive each, but spectacular and worth it (if you have a free day):

- Sedona > home of gorgeous red slickrock and the Famous Vortices.

- Mogollon Rim > the edge of a 7000 foot plateau hangs over the surrounding 4000 foot land - really spectacular! It's wilderness so better to go with at least two.

Is there anywhere nearby to hire bicycles (and good for cycling, for that matter)? If anyone else is interested perhaps we could have a group outing?

PhilStubbington 2005.09.30

Phil, there are flat bike paths along most of the irrigation canals, and a more curvy up-and-down path through a very long park just a short distance away from the conference hotel (to the East). I don't know specifically of any bike rental places, but I'm sure there are many bike stores that have rentals. But, the heat may stop you. Depends. - JerryWeinberg 2005.09.30

I'm staying for several days after the conference, so I can spend some time in Sedona and on the Navajo Reservation. I'm trying to arrange a guided tour of the Hopi Mesas for Saturday, Nov 12. (See the HopiTour page) I'd be delighted if anybody would like to join me. The Hopi villages are among the oldest continuously inhabited towns in North America, if not the oldest...

This is one of the outfits I'm talking to, if you'd like to check it out:

--SuePetersen 2005.10.01

Are there any other beaders in the group? I'd be interested in a trip to the local bead store.

EstherDerby 10172005

I've done a bit o' beading. But mainly I've been searching for years for a beaded watchband. If you're going someplace that might have one, let me know. - JerryWeinberg 2005.10.17

There is no worthwhile shopping within walking distance of the hotel (and I have a high tolerance for walking distance). There is, however, a little-known hotel shuttle that will take you to Mondo Mall, restaurants, and fast foods.

MichaelBolton 2005.11.01

Updated: Tuesday, November 1, 2005